Two-Hour Time Limit for Nursing Assistant Knowledge Exam Begins Oct. 3

Posted on September 1, 2022 by Anna Mowry

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has announced that nurse aide registry candidates will have up to two hours for the knowledge exam beginning Oct. 3.

Background

We reported this change would be coming last week. MDH confirmed with an official announcement on Friday, Aug. 26.

This change from one hour back to two hours is in response to feedback from nurse aide training programs who shared concerns that the reduced one-hour time limit was not accommodating to different learning styles. As a result, trainers reported reduced pass rates and fewer certified caregivers.

About the Change

• The change will take effect Oct. 3.
• The Knowledge Exam will continue to consist of 70 questions.
• The test time extension is not retroactive to tests previously completed.
• This does not change the test results for those who have previously taken the test.
• At this time, there are no other changes for the Knowledge Test.

For more questions on this change, please contact MDH at Health.NAR.coord@state.mn.us. 

LeadingAge Minnesota will continue to work with MDH to address the barriers that impact the recruitment of nurse aide candidates. Please reach out to LeadingAge Minnesota's Director of Workforce Solutions, Anna Mowry for any nursing assistant training or testing concerns.